Wow, what a shock this morning. I knew Diane had her share of health issues but I still didn't expect this. I got the news as I was downloading photos I took at a show last night and as I was getting ready to travel to San Diego for the festival there. I got to know Diane at different shows across the country. I think back to many of the big reggae events in my life, Montreal, Rebel Salute, Sumfest, LA and of course SNWMF and Diane was there. While I know that she'll still be there in spirit, it won't be the same. RIP

So sad to wake up this morning and see this on fb timeline. One of the many people I truly looked forward to seeing every summer. Met her years ago in Angels Camp. Rest in Reggae Paradise and RAWspect everytime sis.

The worldwide Reggae Community has lost another "family member", Diane Issachar - talented photographer and long time supporter of reggae music. We spoke many times over the last few months and her NUMBER ONE hope was to make it to Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in California this summer. Diane - I know now you WILL be there and your presence will be felt in a greater realm than the physical. There are many joyful tales and memories of Diane, for me, going back to the days on the Feather River in Marysville and my first trips west from Chicago. Always backstage or in the photo pit with a huge smile and a hug for me - it is hard to imagine what it will be like without her there in a physical form. We'll also miss Bob Salzman's smile brightening the same spaces over the years. Jah Rastafari bless and protect them and their friends and extended families. My sister (and brother), may you rest in Power.

Like Evan said...Diane and Bob were two of the folks I looked forward to seeing every SNWMF. It won't be the same without them. They will both be sorely missed. I was just thinking about Diane less than a few hours ago.

very sad news. I too got to know her from SNWMF and other Reggae shows over the years. I will miss chatting with her at SNWMF this year and with the passing of Bob Salzman- our festival family will miss them. Let us not forget their smiles and photos.

Also yesterday I heard of the passing of Upsetter and Hippy Boy, Alva "Reggie" Lewis

Diane was a loved member of the reggae photography family in addition to being a dear friend. In some ways, reggae and Diane are birds of a feather. SHe has been a part of my reggae knowledge since the beginning and a mentor to photography.

I know she was fighting to attend SNWMF this summer. It was the ONE thing she talked about frequently when I had the chance to talk to her over the past four months or so. I had not spoken to her recently and did not expect she was so close to passing.

Let us light a candle at SNWMF and maybe have a little tribute at our normal meeting spot before the show opens on that Friday. Diane often participated in that collective meeting of minds.

She will always be remembered. This photo taken in Alligator Pond. Zema, me and Diane. We used to kid around and call ourselves the Three I's.

The photographers at reggae music festivals are a unique clique of artists. We get to know each other, respect each other's work and passions. Diane had lots of skills with a camera, and plenty more as a human being. We are going to miss her. Such sad news.
Rest in peace.
One bright morning when my work is over, man will fly away home.

Diane was one of those people you couldn't help but like. I always enjoyed seeing her either here or in boonville and catching up. Any time you spoke to her you knew how she felt and always got a genuine sense of her good character.

I knew her enuff to say hello, can't remember exactly when we met...sometime in the mid-90's perhaps at LB Hyatt Hotel Press Conferences for Bob Marley Day. I think she also helped out answering the phones, etc. at the KCRW radio show The Beat with Roger and Hank Holmes in the 1980's.

"light a candle" fe real. Sis Issa welcomed me as a newbie years ago and has been a most welcome face everywhere we ran across each other. A bright soul with a real smile, rest in power sista, you will be missed... Even if there is no official moment for her it would be a good thing if we can hold a moment of silence, prayer and thankfulness for her in the photo pit this year.